On May 27, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who also chairs the National Health Security Board, addressed concerns about Thailand’s public health system potentially collapsing within three years due to insufficient hospital funding. He firmly stated that the government would never let that happen and is committed to continuous improvement.
He emphasized that the universal healthcare system is a core government policy. Recent improvements include increased funding for the National Health Security Fund and the expansion of minor illness treatment under the "30 Baht Treat Anywhere" program, which now allows access to registered pharmacies and private clinics to ease hospital congestion.
Minister Somsak also highlighted ongoing public health campaigns aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through lifestyle changes, such as carbohydrate counting for better diet control. The ministry is also tackling kidney disease with nationwide screenings, especially targeting high-risk groups like those with diabetes and hypertension, to detect problems early and prevent end-stage kidney failure.
He welcomed all feedback, stating it reflects the public’s ownership and desire to improve the system. He assigned the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to implement feasible suggestions and invited hospitals with financial issues to directly discuss solutions with him. He also ordered inspectors across 13 regions to report any hospital deficit cases. Additionally, he expressed interest in forming a central committee to study hospital cost structures and appropriate reimbursement rates, with the idea to be discussed by the NHSO board and later proposed to the Cabinet.